What do you think of Twitter?

I thought I'd keep up with the social networking world, and recently joined Twitter. I'm slowly learning how to "Tweet," and all of the lingo that goes with it, such at RT's and Follow Fridays. I must say, it's a bit confusing at first, and there are so many tweets to read through. In fact, it's a bit annoying when there are so many tweets from one person that it takes over your Twitter page, and possibly, some posts you want to read, fall through the cracks. And then you can't "unfollow" a person without offending the person! What to do?

I'm wondering if any of you are on Twitter? If so, what do you think about it? Have you gained any useful info, or is it just too much information?

The jury's still out, but I think I prefer blogging and Facebook to Twitter. There are so many social networking sites that it's a bit overwhelming.

Shoe Love: Chie Mihara

Time for some new shoes??

I'm kind of coveting a pair of 1940's inspired shoes by Chie Mihara... Chie Mihara is of Japanese ancestry, but was born and raised in Brazil, and is most noted for her comfortable high heel.

I'm loving the layered bows on these shoes. Just wondering if I could walk in those heels?

Great color combo!

Now these boots look really comfy...

Chie Mihara shoes can be purchased directly from her website here, or other locations including Anthropologie. Warning...I didn't mention the price tag, did I?

First photo: 1950's LIFE magazine - photo Walter Sanders
Shoe photos: chiemihara.com

Curator, Please!

Want to see your loved ones on display in an art museum? Check out this fun site, Dumpr. Pick your favorite photos and download them in 'museum art.' Walla! Instant stardom. They also have a lot of other formats to play with.

Little Vito loves his new fame!

Pamper Yourself This Weekend!

How about a relaxing day at the Polished Beauty Lounge in Atlanta? I realize that most of you are scattered around the globe, and I'm in California, but wouldn't it be fun to all meet up here for a mani and pedi?

Their "Sugar Treat" manicure sounds yummy...it includes your choice of dipped strawberries or white chocolate sugar soak, a chocolate Grand Marnier souffle exfoliating scrub, followed by an incredible moisturizing massage with Bavarian cream whipped body frosting.

Sounds fun to me! Enjoy your weekend!!

photos from Polished Beauty Lounge

What Happened to the Gift Center?

Today I thought I'd take a drive to the San Francisco Gift Center & Jewelry Mart. Since 1912, the Gift Center has been San Francisco's wholesale gift & jewelry destination, with floors of showrooms to peruse. It has been the cornerstone of the San Francisco Design District. They used to have a lovely center court where tuxedoed waiters would serve you. A nice Caesar salad, some sourdough bread, and a glass of iced tea -- then off to the showrooms -- a great way to spend an afternoon!

Well, today the place was like a ghost town. I went up to the 5th floor that used to have some of the finest showrooms with top candle lines, books and accessories. Gone. Only about 3 of them are left. Thank heavens Mary Hada still is. The other floors were mostly empty showrooms with renovation signs, and only a couple of showrooms filled. Showrooms were actually being emptied out while I was there. And I thought the recession was winding down. You know things are bad when I can find free parking in front of the Gift Center.

I asked a woman passing by what was happening. She answered, "they're trying to run us out." I didn't know what that meant, so I came home and starting Googling about the Gift Center. Apparently it was purchased by a private equity firm for 94 million, and they are trying to reposition the property with 275,000 square feet of new office space and ground-floor retail.

Where does that leave the showrooms? Where did they go? Where do retail shop owners go to, say, smell a line of new candles or perfumes? Seeing the Gift Center today really saddened me. Times are a changin' for sure.

photo credit from here

Looking for Writers...

photo from here

My friend Martin Codina (Fine Estate Liquidation), is looking for regular contributors to his blog that have expertise in the "vintage world." Martin is an antiques aficionado & estate liquidator, based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Some of the subjects he is looking to cover are; costume or fine jewelry, vintage clothing, Mid Century, Taxco, sterling silver, Arts and Crafts, art pottery, vintage watches, antique furniture, Shabby Chic, old posters, fine art, outsider art, "Mantiques," Cottage Antiques, and you Paris aficionados.

photo from here

SO, if you're interested in contributing, here is a chance to drive traffic to your site, and above all, share your wonderful knowledge with others!

You'll need:

• Some writing experience.

• Have some sort of vintage, antiques, or collectibles expertise.

• Want to inform or educate others.

If interested, please contact Martin at martin@finesf.com, or visit his blog here.

Did I mention that Martin is one of my favorite people?

Look! They're Dancing!

WATCH IT SPIN!

Another fun find from Hollister Hovey's blog. Sorry Hollister, you just keep posting great stuff! This phenakistoscope gif animation was found at Morbid Anatomy.

What is a phenakistoscope? It was an early animation device, the predecessor of the zoetrope, invented in 1832 by by Joseph Plateau of Belgium. Plateau devoted his life to the study of optics, the science of light and vision.

Images on a disc when spun gives the illusion of couples dancing. I love this!!

Here is an antique style phenakistoscope found here.

How about these boxers?

Animated images from Hollister Hovey, Morbid Anatomy & Wikipedia

Seasonal SALE at Paris Hotel Boutique!

We're making room for our Fall/Winter inventory, and offering several selected items that have been reduced, from accessories to furniture. You'll have to browse around a bit to see the selected markdowns. Click here to visit the site...

What do you CRAVE?

I just purchased the latest issue of "CRAVE San Francisco." CRAVE guidebooks celebrate stylish entrepreneurs by showcasing the most creative and interesting proprietors from cities all over the world. They are awesome. So fun to see some of my friends shops so beautifully showcased!

I love the fact that CRAVE focuses on local businesses, no chains. You'll find everything from top boutiques, cafes, spas and more. CRAVE showcases the dedicated women behind these enterprises.

Also, just released this Fall are guides from Portland, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta, Boston and Toronto.

These make great gifts as well! To find out where to purchase, visit CRAVE's website here.

photos from CRAVE

Discover exotic trips to the Maldives-hotel

Discover exotic trips to the Maldives-hotel
As one of the most beautiful in the world, you know, the Maldives, is certainly right when it comes to exotic. Boast an unprecedented range of pristine beaches, its luxurious accommodation and bright, clear blue waters, it is impossible not to fall in love with this piece of paradise.

In the Indian Ocean, the Maldives more than 1,000 coral islands, of which 202 are inhabited included. Due to the fact that 99.5 percent of the ocean surface, water plays an important role in island life. In fact, are fishing and canoeing expeditions a central role in the economy, and therefore the country has become famous for its opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

The capital Malé, is an ideal place to start exploring the Maldives, offering unique experiences. The fish market, which is worth a visit and is ideal for exploring the wide range of delicious seafood available.

For an overview of the daily life of local people and learning about their rich history and interesting, it's time to visit the Hukuru Miskiiy - the city's main mosque and the house of one of the most impressive features of the corners of the world Coral - and the National Museum.

However, it would be if the tropical paradise is what you want, then no trip to the Maldives will be without the many beaches scattered about. Opulent, exotic and fascinating than one way to describe what the islands and their location, but not to visit them, it is impossible to believe that perfection does not exist.

The abundance of marine life and spectacular coral reefs, the Maldives as one of the best cities diving and snorkeling in the world. In addition to the possibility of kissing fish such as napoleons, parrot fish, barracuda and sweetlips place, it is also possible the spirit of exploration with many hidden grottoes and caves.

Moreover, according to research, reach deep corals landslide of 2100 meters on the reef, an incredible, if you imagine that, on average, one year of coral can grow to 2 mm single! E 'therefore not surprising that the underwater world Maldives attracts many diving enthusiasts and professionals.

And he can not spend more attractive after a long, hard day in the water to indulge in luxury spa treatments or relax on the beach, cocktail in hand and watched the sun go down in paradise. Maldives holidays are perfect for a relaxing holiday in a tropical paradise.

DUBAI ISLANDS captures the 8th wonder of the world's next trip to Dubai-hotel

DUBAI ISLANDS captures the 8th wonder of the world's next trip to Dubai-hotel
The next time you are in Dubai for business or pleasure, make time to visit the legendary Dubai Palm Islands. Palm Islands, considered the 8th wonder. Palm frond whether in the name of his fans in three Jumeirah beach in Dubai, Jebel Ali and Deira. Now, about three man-made group of islands, the government aims to Al Nakheel Properties in Palm Jumeirah, the smallest of the islands of Palm. And now is the first of three, ready to live. So if you are looking for a stopover in Dubai, this may be the culmination of the trip!

By the time of palm worth it?

The Palm Jumeirah in the blue waters of the Gulf Coast in Dubai deeply impressive 40 miles or 78 kilometers, the entire layout of date-palm tree-shaped archipelago of 16-17 leaves, covers a vast territory, which is located near the doubling the coast. These Palm Islands constructed as a reclamation project is a unique crescent-shaped island, which acts as a breakwater to protect the beaches in frond tilted. The entire island is a spectacle of light on the banks of the surrounding waters of the Persian United Arab Emirates.

How to plan a trip to Palm?

The Palm Jumeirah, but is primarily intended for tourist retreat and become rich. Villas, apartments and villas on beach, charming cafes and international hotels, which are distributed on Palm Jumeirah, may be better to stay close to Dubai itself. Satisfy your curiosity to travel and experience Palm Island, not feeling the pinch.

Quality without compromise, remain at rest and travel to The Palm Jumeirah is easier for you. The hotel can be a criterion, which opens first Citymax hotel 2010 hotel is located just 9 miles from Palm Jumeirah Al Barsha, Dubai is located in the city. They also have their offices in Bur Dubai and Sharjah offers business travelers and leisure travelers all the services and the four-star luxury at an affordable price.

Hotel Le Saint Gregoire - Luxury Quaint-hotel

Hotel Le Saint Gregoire - Luxury Quaint-hotel
If you are looking for a hotel that is more than considering only the San Gregorio, a residence of the 18th century. This quaint boutique hotel is exactly where you should spend your vacation in Paris.

This is a favorite of local and international visitors for its ideal location between Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Montparnasse. In addition to offering peace and tranquility, which is a few steps away from shopping areas like the Bon Marché and attractions as the Luxembourg Gardens, the Louvre and Orsay. And when you stay at Hotel Le Saint Gregoire has access to a network of high transportation costs.

Take time to appreciate his input charming, with lovely topiaries to add an impressive facade. All public areas have been decorated by renowned designer David Hicks. His style is the style and elegance of a bygone era today in Paris. The rooms are well equipped with excellent facilities and services. There is a fireplace for the winter in Paris and a balcony to admire the beautiful view. Antique furniture, with the play of complementary colors creates a warm and welcoming. It all works of art and lighting fixtures were chosen personally by the owners of the hotel. Among the top row of the features you will also find satellite TV, high speed internet access, refreshment center, luxurious bathroom with mirror / shaving.

When making reservations, ask about accommodation. Le Saint Gregoire, you can choose a standard, double deluxe, junior suite double or more. The latter has a large living room, sofa bed and large bathroom. If you are traveling with children, for an extra bed or a bed. And when you're angry friend will not stay at home, can also accompany him on his adventure of the "City of Lights", as all animals are welcome at the Hotel Le Saint Gregoire.

The Saint Gregory Hotel has a wide range of services that goes unnoticed by visitors. These include a multilingual staff, luggage storage, laundry, tour desk and free shuttle to the airport and car rental office.

Hotels and Motels in the US-hotel

Hotels and Motels in the US-hotel
Hotel industry to seek early

Over the last five years the industry has been an incident of modest economic conditions, international political instability and fears for the SARS virus and bird flu. Some guests will still go on holiday now want to stay in the room for the month of hotel franchising honey. Ascending boutique hotels, spas and experiences of health in a unique and hospitable customers are looking for. Savvy operators are targeting niche markets and booking via the Internet.

STUDY OF MARKET INDUSTRY REPORT IBISWORLD

And 'the ideal place for IBISWorlds December 2008 Number of hotels and motels in the report of the United States.

Industry Market Research Summary

This Industry Market Research report from IBISWorld provides a detailed analysis of hotel and motel industry in the United States, including key growth trends, statistics, forecasts, the competitive environment including market shares and the key questions that "do not know sector.

Industry definition

This sector includes establishments involved primarily in short-term presentation facilities known as hotels, motor hotels, resort hotels, and motels. Sector organizations can provide services such as food and beverage, recreational services, conference and convention services, laundry services, parking and other services. The report deals with hotel has no casino facilities attached.

Table of Contents

This chapter presents the main indicators of key statistics for the industry for at least the last three years. The statistics included are industry revenue, industry gross domestic product, employment, establishments, exports, imports, domestic demand and total wages.

Chapter "Market characteristics include the following: market size, connections, determinants of demand in domestic and international markets, the basis of competition and longevity. The Market Size section gives the size of the market and the market size of export. Industrys contact section lists the major supplier and major customer industries. section lists the key factors that could cause a direct burden to increase or decrease. National and International Markets section defines the market for products and services in the industry. This section provides the size of the internal market and the party responsible for imports and exports and trends in the levels of imports and exports. Basis of Competition section outlines the key types of competition between firms within the sector and highlight the competition in other areas where the products. The Life Cycle section provides an analysis of which stage of development of the sector.

The Segmentation chapter covers the following: Products and Services segment, market segments, most important, the concentration of industry and geographic expansion. Products and Services section details the key products of the segmentation and / or services provided by industry, highlighting the most important where possible to demonstrate a greater influence on the results of the sector as a whole. The market for large segments of the section details the key client industries and / or groups as well as giving an indication as to which of the two is the most important industries. Section of industry concentration provides an indication of how much industry revenue is calculated by the four best players. Geographic Spread section provides advice to the regional share of industry revenue / gross domestic product.

Industry Conditions chapter covers the following: barriers to entry tax, industry support, regulation and deregulation, the cost structure, capital and labor intensity, Technology and Systems, Industry Volatility and Globalization. Barriers to entry point outlines factors that can prevent a new company from entering this industry and also gives an indication of the magnitude of what is happening. Taxation section details all kinds of taxation that are specific or are particularly important for the industry, including tax breaks. The Industry Assistance section refers to any government and / or other measures to improve the performance of this industry. The Regulation and Deregulation section how the relevant regulatory authorities and / or deregulation of the sector. Section describes in detail the cost structure, the average cost of a company operating in the industry as a percentage of total revenue. The capital and labor intensive section provides a guide to the amount of capital used in production / providing a service compared to the amount of labor in the total mix of inputs. Technology and Systems section acknowledges the latest technology and / or systems available to businesses in the country. Technology refers to machinery and equipment and systems refers to methods of production by producing better and more efficient. The Industry Volatility section refers to the year in a year fluctuations which occur in industrial production. This section gives a general idea of how the industry is global based on factors such as the level of foreign ownership, the proportion of demand accounted for by foreign operators and the number of production conducted in other countries d.

The chapter provides an analysis of the performance of two of Industrys current performance and historical performance. Section provides an analysis of current performance vital to the industry over the past five years with key performance indicators discussed. Past performance of the details section dedicated to events earlier in the development of the sector.

The main competitors chapter lists the major players in the sector and analysis of all activities of the key players in the sector. Market share information is included where possible.

The chapter discusses the main factors of sensitivity and key success factors of the key sector. Key section describes the sensitivity of the key factors outside the control of the operator in the industry but which can have a significant impact on society. Key success factors section describes the factors under the control of the sector and that must be followed to be successful in the industry. Often this will include behavior that reduces the sensitivity of impact key.

The Outlook chapter is a key element of the review report and outlines expectations for the key industry indicators over the next five years, including forecasts.

L 'Shana Tova ~ Happy Jewish New Year

Many of my friends have asked me what the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is. Tomorrow evening begins the holiest days of the year for the Jewish people. The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah is widely known and celebrated as the New Years Day of the Jewish calendar, but actually Rosh Hashanah has a fourfold meaning.

It is the Day of Judgment as Jews worldwide examine their past deeds and ask for forgiveness for their sins.

It is the Day of Shofar blowing as the Shofar (the ram's horn) is blown in temple to herald the beginning of the 10 day period known as the High Holy Days.

It is the Day of Remembrance as Jews review the history of their people.

And of course, it is celebrated with its special prayers, and festive and sweet foods such as apples and honey, to ensure sweetness in the New Year.

To all of you who celebrate, L'Shana Tova. May you have a wonderful and sweet year ahead!

Glamour Dogs

Joan Collins with dyed pink poodle: photo credit: Slim Aarons

I chuckled when I saw these vintage photos of Joan Collins and Doris Day with their dyed poodles! We adorn our dogs more than ever now with fancy clothes and jewelry. Well... some do.

Doris Day and her Poodles, Paris, 1950, photo credit: John Florea

This is my toy poodle, Vito. How do you think he would look dyed? I don't think he'd be a happy camper.

If you want to see some great dog glamour shots, Catherine Ledner's book, "Glamour Dogs" is due out his week and I can't wait to see it. Ledner is a California-based photographer who has a love for animals. "Catherine Ledner brilliantly captures these doggie doyenes in all their glamorous glory as they strut their stuff on the catwalk, recline on sumptuous furniture and pose on the latest of floor and wall fashions." -Chronicle Books.

Your can purchase Glamour Dogs here. You can also purchase Catherine's whimsical animal prints on her website here.

Woof Woof!

Glamour Dogs book cover image from Chronicle books

New Discovery: Toby McFarlan Pond

photo credit: Toby McFarlan Pond from WSJ. Magazine

Hollister Hovey always comes up with the most interesting finds! She recently blogged about English photographer, Toby McFarlan Pond, and I had to share.

photo credit: Toby McFarlan Pond from WSJ. Magazine

McFarland Pond shoots gorgeous Dutch-inspired still lives, like these photos from WSJ magazine. I didn't even know that there was a Wall Street Journal magazine! Thanks again Hollister. Yet another discovery from you.

photo credit: Toby McFarlan Pond from WSJ. Magazine

These still lives are from a series of articles from the WSJ, called "The State of Luxury," talking about the economic downturn. Sad topic, but aren't they stunning?

I did a little more research on Toby McFarlan Pond and found some of his work here on M.A.P.'s site. They feature several artist's portfolios on illustration, styling and photography.

How wonderful are these photos?

For more of McFarlan Pond's work, visit here.

Photo credits: Toby McFarlan Pond

Is This a Compliment??

I received this email (below) and thought I'd share it. Hmmm...

"I saw your living room on the cover of the magazine. What happen to the beautiful yellow sofa and that coffee table you had cut the legs off? I think that room was much prettier the other way. As a matter of fact, I think that was the best room in a magazine I have ever seen. Thanks."

Just in at Paris Hotel Boutique...

I can't believe that Fall starts next week! I've been busy, busy looking for new items for the website and wanted to share a few of my favorite finds...

Love this portrait of an eccentric Jazz-Era lady bejeweled in Bakelite jewelry. How about her painted green fingernails? This was painted in 1926. What a character she was!

This vintage hat box is from the Hotel Ritz in Paris. I can just imagine some fancy-dressed lady purchasing a new hat at the Ritz guest shop and sporting her way around Paris!

I just adore vintage French maps. I was thrilled to find these old books with fold out maps. One is from the Hotel Plaza-Athenee in Paris!

The prettiest pale pink tufted bench. Actually there are a pair of them. I love the bubble gum pink color, and the fact that they're leather!

If you want to check out all of our new arrivals, please visit Paris Hotel Boutique here.

Austria VS Salzburg-hotel

Austria VS Salzburg-hotel
A trip to Salzburg to see more. Salzburg, a small mountain town on the border between Austria and Germany. Measurements "Mvzart" famous Austrian composer. Place the film classic and famous Sound of Music "in the name of" The Sound of Music game is unknown. About 300 km of Vienna by train and 5 / 3 is gone.

Salzburg, the city is very beautiful. Scenic mountains of the Alps and the extra green. Full of tourists. So that an address can not be moved! All their maps are obtained. The event is a party machine and the man is generally time to Salzburg. The same old machines in a plane of noise they produce.

The castle is now almost half a foot and from there can look around Salzburg. Qshngtryn I think one of the scenes I saw and I saw my life. Salzburg bit 'more at home and is also, unfortunately, can not walk and was one of them is the house that the movie "The Sound of Music did. Just a little' over the mountains seen.

A very beautiful city park, called "Mirabel" really nice. The first time I am that two couples with the bride and groom are the guests. The foreign bride always amazed that they love their clothes and make-up!

In short, if time is limited to 7 hours walking and standing stock arithmetic Adam extract. This type of travel is good, but what caused barely walk the next day man! Summary which was a good experience. Day of arrival outside the hotel hotel I asked the lady in charge know what it is fortunate that a place that lives and knows Yes!

Border travel: the route to Salzburg was a girl (20 years), Austrian sitting next to me. For a couple of days to see my grandfather and grandmother went to Salzburg. Ask me who know Salzburg Where? I say that the movie Sound of Music. Unlike Antzarm says that this film is not in love at all and certainly almost all film is Austrian Bdshan. When I asked why the movie is not realistic to say that it shows nothing and the people of Austria and the Austrian Although the second world war but not showing a lot of people uncomfortable, and the Austria Center in world music , a stereotype film is a symbol of Austria. I think the only advantage is that this film had to go to the tourist generally Salzburg. The reality remains, after more than 30 years more and more tourists come here and generally in "The Sound of Music Tour in general and talk about this movie to play here and read the lyrics ....

Iran asks the end of time. Says very little information, but is very happy that this great world in Austria and in the heart of Europe was born. Smile. What I realized Mnzvrsh.

Just added...

A couple of new items added to the website, and much more to follow next week. Above is a vintage silver leaf settee upholstered in a steel bluish-silver silk. I'm crazy over silver leaf!

These Mid Century faux bamboo chairs have been reupholstered in a white linen. They have black lacquered frames.

You can check them out here...